ef: a tale of melodies (2008). A spoiler free review of season two.

ef: a tale of melodies [1] is the sequel, or rather the completion, to ef: a tale of memories and is an anime that I’m finding very hard to write about. Together they make up the adaptation of ef: a fairy tale of the two.

Much of my previous review still holds: ef: a tale of melodies is often surreal, visually stunning, supported by some fabulous design choices, and delves deeply into triggering behaviour [2]. It is based on the same set of visual novels that have since spawned manga, anime, and light novel adaptations.

ef: a tale of memories has two core stories instead of three, and this significantly improved the balance of the stories. There is an amusing conceit in the series that nearly shattered my suspension of disbelief, and I suspect would similarly affect most Australian viewers [3].

In terms of the triggering elements, the midsection was extremely difficult to watch. I was worried that the ending would not salvage the series from my earlier discomfort.

As it happens there is a real sense of redemption in the ending, plus it weaves in elements of the previous series that I think will make a further viewing fascinating.

Overall I think I recommend ef: a tale of melodies as a “watch at least once” series, and it is possibly a series that improves on subsequent viewings. Finally, readers should be aware that ef: a tale of melodies and its predecessor are justifiably rated M in Australia for “mature themes and nudity”.